This was reported by The Telegraph with reference to website review data, reports Ukrinform.

As mentioned, analysis of various accounts showed that Twitter’s search results, timeline, and recommendation tools showed users accounts of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry, and the Russian Embassy in the UK. Restrictions were placed on these accounts after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The publication says it did the review after it was learned that Twitter is no longer limiting the reach of Russian state media.

Last April, the company said it would “not share or recommend government accounts of states that restrict access to free information and engage in interstate armed conflict”, saying the policy “immediately covers Russian government accounts”. This means that accounts will not be recommended for search, timelines, or other parts of the service.

“But last week’s tests by The Telegraph showed that Russian government accounts appear at the top of some search results and appear in suggestions for other accounts,” the publication said.

The publication also writes that posts by representatives of the Russian government appear in the algorithmically controlled “For you” feed for the newly created account, even if you do not subscribe to them.

A former Twitter executive confirmed that the move represents a departure from the measures put in place in 2022. “These changes are extremely unlikely to occur by chance or without the knowledge and direction of company personnel,” he said.

The publication highlights that social networks are seen as an important part of the Kremlin’s disinformation.